 The Seven Mile Bridge, longest of 42 bridges that help comprise the Florida Keys Overseas Highway, is to close to traffic in both directions at 6 a.m. Saturday, April 5 for three hours for the annual Seven Mile Bridge Run.
The bridge is scheduled to reopen to traffic promptly at 9 a.m., according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Visitors and residents in Key West and the Lower Keys expecting to drive early Saturday to Miami or Fort Lauderdale International airports or other destinations out of the Keys must be aware that there will be no way for traffic to cross the bridge between 6 and 9 a.m. Likewise, those planning trips down to the Lower Keys and Key West on Saturday morning need to be aware of the delay in crossing the Seven Mile Bridge. Everyone is advised to plan ahead and confirm details with transportation providers. The annual competition is limited to 1,500 participants who must all complete the run in time for the 9 a.m. bridge reopening. The race was begun in 1982 to help celebrate the completion of the then-new Seven Mile Bridge as well as 36 other new spans on the Florida Keys Overseas Highway. Event information: 7mbrun.com
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The Sons and Daughters of Italy Key West Lodge #2436 has teamed up with the Tropic Cinema to present, “Italian Night at the Movies” to support their 2025 scholarship fund for area High School seniors of Italian descent. Occurring once a month through June, next up in the series is “Il Piccolo Diavolo,” (The Little Devil) on Wednesday, April 16.
Released in 1988 and starring Walter Matthau and Roberto Benigni, the comedy romance is in Italian with English subtitles, and takes place in Rome, Italy. Father Maurice, played by Matthau, is an American priest living in a college community in Roma. When a local woman becomes possessed by the devil, Maurice is asked to perform an exorcism. The demon is exorcised successfully, but turns out to be a scrawny, arrogant, wisecracking man named Giuditta, played by Benigni, who chooses to stay with Maurice instead of returning to Hell. This movie is in Italian with English subtitles. Doors open at 5:30; movie starts at 6:15 pm and the evening includes a complimentary taste of tortellini, sausage and peppers. The evening will also include a chance drawing for a set of Italian dishes, a Sons and Daughters of Italy Cookbook and two tickets for admission to another Italian movie in the series. Tickets are $20 per person and are available online at TropicCinema.com or day of at the Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton St.  Waynard Scheller Key West, FL - March 31, 2025 – Bangkok Happy Bowl Asian Bistro, a favorite dining spot on Duval Street, continues to offer its popular happy hour experience, available daily from 3-6 PM. Guests can enjoy $8 specials on Thai kitchen appetizers, sushi rolls, and handcrafted cocktails, making it the perfect way to unwind before dinner or a night out in Key West.
"Our happy hour is designed to bring people together over delicious food, great drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere," says Kirk Coult, owner of Bangkok Happy Bowl. "Our bar space has been newly updated, creating an inviting environment where guests can relax, enjoy a cocktail, and take in the lively energy of Key West." The newly redesigned bar provides a stylish setting for guests to enjoy pre-dinner drinks and appetizers while soaking in the vibrant scene. Along with the happy hour specials, Bangkok Happy Bowl continues its tradition of live music performances, bringing an exciting lineup of talented musicians throughout April. April Music Schedule:
Waynard Scheller, a nationally acclaimed keyboardist and vocalist, has shared the stage with members of the Grateful Dead, Steely Dan, Rod Stewart Band, Hot Tuna, and many more. Known for his solo piano interpretations of classic rock songs, his performances include music by Billy Joel, Tom Petty, Jerry Garcia, Neil Young, Elton John, and Steely Dan. Event to support CFK Academy charter high school  CFK employees and CFK Academy students enjoy the festivities at last year’s Speakeasy event. KEY WEST, FL, March 28, 2025— The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) Foundation invites the community to “A Roaring Good Time Speakeasy” on Friday, April 18, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Tennessee Williams Theatre. The annual event will offer partygoers entertainment, auctions, food, cash bar, and more. Tickets are $75. Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the CFK Academy, the College’s tuition-free public charter high school. Tickets and sponsorship packages are available on the College’s website at www.cfk.edu/roaring.
To contribute auction items or donations to the CFK Foundation, contact Lana Gaspari, CFK Vice President of Advancement and CFK Foundation Executive Director, at [email protected] or 305-809-3214.  Pictured Left to Right: Isaac Heller, LKMC assistant CEO; Clint Bower, executive director MARC House; Cassie Concepcion, LKMC infection control coordinator; Christina Wright, LKMC CFO; Sara Phillips, LKMC clinical educator; Kristina Welburn, executive director Habitat for Humanity of Key West and Lower Florida Keys; Leslie Gomez, LKMC director of health information management; Gregory Repetti, FACHE, LKMC interim CEO; Rosanna Mullen, LKMC CQO; Tara Salinas, executive director Samuel’s House; and Jack Norris, MD, LKMC chief of staff. KEY WEST, Fla. – In recognition of National Doctors’ Day (March 30), Lower Keys Medical Center made charitable contributions to three local organizations to honor the medical staff. For the eighth annual presentation, hospital medical staff members selected organizations that have a significant impact on social determinants of health. The recipients for 2025 are MARC House, Samuel’s House, and Habitat for Humanity of Key West and Lower Florida Keys.
The Monroe Association for ReMARCable Citizens provides wrap around life services for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities, including adult day training, housing, supported employment, and supported living. Samuel’s House supports long term, transitional and emergency housing to individuals and families in need in the community. Habitat for Humanity of Key West and Lower Florida Keys offers education, affordable home construction, home repairs, and resources to support home ownership in the Lower Keys. National Doctors’ Day is celebrated annually to acknowledge the contributions of doctors and medical staff to patients and the community. In lieu of gifts for Doctors’ Day, Lower Keys Medical Center donated $1,000 to each organization to support the health and human services they provide. “A healthy community requires a network of resources, education, and support for people in need. I can’t think of a better way to honor our medical staff than to contribute to the good works our recipients do throughout the year,” said Gregory Repetti, FACHE, interim chief executive officer at Lower Keys Medical Center. About Lower Keys Medical Center Lower Keys Medical Center is an acute care community hospital offering 24 hour emergency department services. Accreditations include The Joint Commission Acute Care Hospital Program and Primary Stroke Center, and American College of Cardiology Chest Pain Center New Works from B. Lucy Stevens and Lisa Brunn At Jag Gallery Duval Square’s Jag Gallery welcomes the return of popular Key West artist and instructor B. Lucy Stevens along with one of the gallery’s popular and emerging artists, Lisa Brunn for a two person show of new works from a pair of artists with very different styles, who prove the fact that opposites really do attract.
B. Lucy Stevens arrives with a new collection of mixed media works on paper, canvas and panel; gleeful, colorful, amusing, and messaged intuitive paintings featuring another delightful array of her signature people and animals, inhabitants of a land of folly. Lisa Brunn, unveils a fresh new body of work, also on canvas and panel; peaceful, non representative abstracts in a slightly limited, yet soothing palette, paintings which begin with no intent in mind but end flawlessly inviting. COMING TOGETHER…OPPOSITES ATTRACT opens with a gallery reception to meet the artists on Wednesday April 2 from 5: 30-7:30 and continues through April 20th and will be available online at jaggallery.art. Gallery events are free and open to the public. For additional information/inquiries contact the gallery at [email protected] or by phone at 305.407.6202 Long considered a top Key West destination offering carefully curated exhibits of fine, contemporary art showcasing work of prominent and emerging artists from Key West and beyond, Jag Gallery is located at 1075 Duval Street, with ample, free parking at the Simonton Street entrance to Duval Square
Key West, FL – In honor of Children and Youth Month, The Studios of Key West, in partnership with Rose Diversity Group, invites the community to two unforgettable evenings of live performance celebrating Black history, resilience, and storytelling. Both events take place at the historic American Legion Post 168 in Bahama Village (803 Emma Street). Tickets are now on sale at The Studios of Key West (tskw.org), and advance purchase is strongly encouraged.
Acclaimed actor and playwright Mike Wiley brings history to life with two powerful one-man shows honoring the lives and legacies of Emmett Till and Jackie Robinson. These family-friendly performances offer a deeply moving experience that speaks to the Black experience in America—past and present. Wiley has over two decades of experience performing across the country. He blends powerful storytelling with historical depth, and often portrays dozens of characters in a single show. Whether in theaters, schools, or community centers, Wiley brings warmth, insight, and energy to the stage—making history feel personal, relevant, and alive. On Thursday, April 17 at 7:00 PM, Wiley presents Dar He: The Story of Emmett Till, portraying more than 30 characters to tell the heartbreaking and galvanizing story of a young boy whose tragic death became a turning point in the Civil Rights Movement. Recommended for 7th grade and up. On Friday, April 18 at 7:00 PM, Wiley returns with A Game Apart, an interactive tribute to Jackie Robinson, the first Black man to break Major League Baseball’s color line. Through humor, heartbreak, and audience participation, Wiley shares the courage it took to stand alone on the field—and beyond. Suitable for 3rd grade and up. Each evening begins with a pre-show community reception at 6:00 PM, featuring complimentary food and a cash bar—a chance to connect with friends and neighbors. Tickets are limited—advance purchase is strongly encouraged. Available now at www.tskw.org or by calling (305) 296-0458: General Admission: $50 Friends of Rose Diversity Group: $25 Children: $5 Veterans and Active-duty Military $25 “These performances center Black stories that have shaped our nation—and continue to shape us,” said Arida Wright, Rose Diversity Group. “We are honored to bring them to the heart of our community at the American Legion.” Sponsored in part by Community Foundation of the Florida Keys, First Horizon Bank, Florida Keys Council of the Arts, and The Studios’ Youth & Community Programs sponsors.  Florida SBDC Network State Office (Pensacola, Fla.) – The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, the state’s principal provider of small business assistance, hosted its annual Florida Small Business Day at the Capitol yesterday, Wednesday, March 26th.
Held at the Florida State Capitol Courtyard, this event highlighted the critical role small businesses play in Florida’s economy and provided an opportunity for small business owners and resource providers to showcase products and services. "It was an honor to highlight the tremendous dedication and impact of our state’s small businesses at Florida Small Business Day at the Capitol,” said Greg Britton, state director of the Florida SBDC Network. “This annual event continues to grow, and we are grateful for the opportunity to shine a light on our small business heroes and the resource providers who support them.” More than fifty small businesses and resource providers from across the state exhibited during the event, including the U.S. Small Business Administration, FloridaCommerce, Florida Department of State, Florida Department of Management Services, the Florida Office of Financial Regulation, Florida First Capital, CareerSource Florida and the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation. Attendees also had the opportunity to tour the network’s mobile assistance center, which the network deploys into communities to help small businesses recover following disasters. The day concluded with the announcement of a special proclamation from Governor Ron DeSantis recognizing March 26th, 2025 as Florida Small Business Day at the Capitol. For more information, please visit https://floridasbdc.org/smallbizday/.  MONROE COUNTY, FL – The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners discussed potential assessments for the Key Largo Twin Lakes community pilot road adaptation project at its regular meeting on March 25. Commissioners directed staff to return to the April 16 commission meeting at the Marathon Government Center to discuss further recommendations for residential assessments to fund the operations and maintenance and capital costs of the project.
The pilot project addresses persistent road flooding from heavy rainfall, storm surges, and rising sea levels. The project includes elevating 4,633 linear feet of roadway, installing a concrete gravity wall, and implementing an engineered stormwater collection system with a pump station and five injection wells. These improvements will enhance accessibility for residents, emergency services, and utilities while protecting 105 homes from future road flooding. Construction began in July 2024 and is expected to be completed in May 2026. The project cost $21.9 million, funded by federal and state grants, and $10.8 million the county borrowed to fill the funding gap. A potential capital assessment could help the county recoup some of its local share that could be used to fund other road adaptation projects. An operations and maintenance assessment was discussed to cover ongoing costs at approximately $2,131/parcel/year. Commissioners are also considering a capital contribution of $25,593, which is approximately 25 percent of the county’s contribution to the Twin Lakes project cost. This could be a one-time payment of $25,593 or $2,185/year for 20 years. The commission focused on an equitable cost share for residents who directly benefit from these road projects. They also discussed neighborhoods experiencing sunny day flooding, knowing there are additional demands for road elevations and drainage facilities in the future. Both assessment amounts will be discussed at the April commission meeting. Since the county faces challenges in locating matching funds for the program, the assessments will assist in funding each neighborhood project by those who directly benefit from the work being done. The county will continue to actively pursue other funding opportunities, like grants, as well. The program includes 97 neighborhoods recommended for a road adaptation project, with seven currently underway: Sands Subdivision on Big Pine Key, Stillwright Point and Winston Waterways on Key Largo, Conch Key, Big Coppitt, and Flagler Avenue in Key West.  MONROE COUNTY, FL – For the fifth consecutive year, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners approved Key West International Airport’s sponsorship of five Independence Day fireworks celebrations throughout the Florida Keys. Funds come from passenger user fees explicitly earmarked for promotional activities.
“These events bring our communities together to honor our nation’s history while enjoying spectacular fireworks displays and celebrations in our beautiful island settings,” said Monroe County Mayor Jim Scholl. “We are happy our residents and visitors can experience a safe and memorable Fourth of July.” The airport began sponsoring the events when local clubs could not fundraise during the COVID shutdown. “We’re happy to continue this tradition on Independence Day for everyone throughout the Florida Keys,” said Airports Executive Director Richard Strickland. County airport-sponsored events include (subject to change): Key West Since 1976, the Rotary Club of Key West has presented the Key West’s annual fireworks show. Staged from the Edward B. Knight Pier overlooking the Atlantic Ocean where White Street meets Atlantic Avenue, fireworks begin at 9 p.m. For information, visit keywestrotary.com. Monroe County-owned Higgs Beach is a great place to watch the display. Big Pine Key The Lower Keys Rotary Club will host its festivities on Thursday, July 3, starting at 5 p.m. at Monroe County-owned Big Pine Community Park, mile marker 31 with vendors, food, games, entertainment, and more. Fireworks will begin around 9 p.m. Admission is free. Visit facebook.com/LowerKeysRotary for more information. Marathon A full day of activities starts with a patriotic parade at 11 a.m. from Marathon High School to Sombrero Beach and fireworks at approximately 9 p.m. hosted by the City of Marathon and the Rotary Club of Marathon. US1 Radio 104.1 will play patriotic music along with the fireworks display. Community members can watch from the beach or offshore by boat. Admission is free. Visit floridakeysmarathon.com for more information. Monroe County operates the Florida Keys Marathon Airport in Marathon. Islamorada The Upper Keys Rotary Club and the Village of Islamorada co-host its celebration at Founders Park, mile marker 87, starting at 5 p.m. Attendees should bring chairs and blankets. Admission is free. Visit Islamorada.fl.us for more information. Key Largo The Key Largo Chamber of Commerce hosts its 49th annual parade starting at 10 a.m. from mile marker 98.2. Immediately following the parade, a community picnic will be held at Key Largo Community Park until approximately 5 p.m. with vendors, food, music, and more. After 9 p.m., a fireworks display will be visible from the bayside. Visit web.keylargochamber.org/events for more details. **Monroe County Fire Rescue reminds residents and visitors to leave fireworks to the professionals. |
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